Paula Kinnard, Assistant Legislative Auditor, joined the Division in June of 1997 as a field auditor.Prior to this, she worked in the DeWitt Public School system.

Paula received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration (AAS), Computer Science and Applications, from Phillips Community College, Helena, in May of 1995; a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BA), Accounting, from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in May of 1997, Summa Cum Laude; and her Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May of 1999, Summa Cum Laude.She became a Certified Public Accountant in November of 1997.Paula is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.She is also a member of the National State Auditors Association, serving as Co-Chair of the Auditor Training Committee, and a member of the Audit Standards and Reporting, Human Resources, Peer Review, and Single Audit Committees. Paula also served as a team member for NASACT’s external peer review of the West Virginia Office of the State Auditor (2012) and the Washington State Auditor’s Office (2013).

Paula, responsible for the overall performance of audits conducted by the Division, oversees the Division’s Quality Assurance efforts, ensuring that audits comply with professional standards.She also coordinates the Division’s continuing professional education seminars; represents the Division in recruiting efforts at many of Arkansas’ colleges and universities; and has previously taught various classes in the areas of computer software applications, ethics, and compliance with governmental auditing standards.Paula is currently coordinating the implementation of electronic documentation of the Division’s audit work, moving towards a “paperless” environment within the Division.